I am hearing so many stories of people feeling overwhelmed in our current climate and many are turning to food for comfort.
If you can’t stop emotionally eating- it’s likely a sign that you need some self-care.
Emotional eating, including stress eating, skyrockets when you aren’t getting what you need in other areas of your life.
Although self-care a simple concept in theory, overcoming barriers to self-care is difficult, especially for busy women and tends to be the first thing to go when life gets busy (it’s all too easy to cross yourself off your priority list entirely).
When you nurture your body and spirit you replenish your cup – as result energy, enthusiasm and motivation increases.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately and It’s an essential life skill that’s intimately connected to our mental, emotional, and physical health.
It goes beyond eating healthy and exercising. Self-care is defined as a way of living that incorporates behaviours that enable you to maintain health and balance, replenish energy and motivation.
Making Time for self-care..the changes
How do you limit your caretaking of others and start prioritizing at least some of your own needs?
- Ultimately, self-care is about understanding that your body is the one place on the planet that you have dominion over and creating Self-awareness
- Self-awareness — the ability to recognize, understand and label one’s own feelings, along with the ability to accurately self-assess — is a foundational skill for a life of well-being.
Here are five simple ways for putting yourself first so that you feel calm, show up more vibrant, energized, and productive.
STEP 1 – Reflection and Self-awareness.
A good deal of practicing self-care is learning how to understand your own needs emotionally and physically.
Scheduling regular time for reflective activity, like journaling and meditating, and setting aside brief moments of silence throughout the day to simply check in and ask yourself:
- What am I feeling right now?
- How strong is that feeling?
- Where do I feel it?
- What do I understand or know about that feeling?
STEP 2 – Identify your needs.
The next step is defining what self-care means to you in the way of:
- Time of day.
- How much you require?
- What kind of activities you desire.
And then asking yourself – “Where do I need to take care of MYSELF more?”
For example:
- My Feelings and Emotional Health
- Peace and Quiet
- Fun and Play
- Relaxation and Pampering
- My Physical Appearance
- Learning and Personal Growth
Next write ONE action you will take THIS week to take more care of yourself.
- Schedule it into your diary
- Make it non-negotiable
STEP 3 – Set Healthy Boundaries.
Making time for self-care requires being able to set healthy boundaries so you have the time for your practise
Don’t double-book. If a friend or co-worker wants you to see them or do something for them during your self-care time, tell them that you are busy.
Because you are busy. Busy looking after yourself!
Learn to switch off – self-care is the time where you focus only on you!
STEP 4 – Make time for fun.
It’s important to make time for fun and leisure, especially when you’re stressed. Remember to engage in a variety of things for fun and involve other people.
Here are some tips:
- Read a favourite book.
- Watch a favourite movie.
- Find a hobby to enjoy.
- Listen to peaceful music.
- Buy an adult colouring book.
STEP 5 – Use Food to fuel yourself.
A healthy relationship with food is a form of self-care.
A. Try Mindful Eating
Is a practice that develops your awareness of eating habits and allows you to pause between your triggers and your actions.
B. Eating healthy foods will help keep you energized and your body healthy.
- How can you feed yourself to feel your best?
- How can you nourish your non-food related needs?
And lastly reach out and ask for help – get support from a Health and Wellness Professional.
When your body, mind, and soul are and cared for, you will feel calm, present and resilient.
Now it’s over to you…
- What are your self-care struggles?
And what do you need to know to conquer them?
If what I’m saying resonates with you and you’d like to talk to me about getting some help, please click below to book a time to chat.
It’s free. And it might change your life.
I would love to hear your thoughts, please comment below.
Irena Geller
Emotional Eating Coach
BSc (Biomed), Cert IV (PT), Wellness Coach (Level 3))
I coach 35+ women to put down their fork and pick up their life. If you want to end your struggles with excess weight, stress and self-belief, using your strengths and capabilities, book a free 15-minute mini-coaching session with me and I’ll show you how to transform your life.
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